Hay Castle Trust and Wyeside Arts Centre have been awarded a share of £50,000 of National Lottery Funding.

They are two of of nine independent cinemas and film festivals in Wales to share the fund, which has been awarded through Film Hub Wales.

The funded projects share the aim to offer climate conscious events at affordable prices. Wales One World Film Festival are running their ‘Ecosinema’ event with the theme of ‘Another World is Possible,’ which includes two short climate stories on screen from Bangladesh and an event in partnership with the Land Workers Alliance, all on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis.

Writing with Light presents a weekend of words and film, transforming Hay Castle into an open-air cinema for the first time on September 1-3, 2023.

Outdoor cinema, immersive projections, archive shorts and guest speakers will celebrate the art of translating text into moving images, inspiring all ages to read more, watch more, and make films.

Wyeside Arts Centre will offer a diverse and inclusive programme of UK independent and Welsh Language film in 2023, including foreign and Welsh language films, documentaries and films by creatives from minoritised communities.

Subtitled screenings are offered every Thursday, along with relaxed screenings for children with autism, a ‘Tea and Biscuits Matinee’ every month for OAPs, plus a new programme of Mother and Baby relaxed screenings.

They are also exploring a screening for local Ukrainian refugee families.

Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager for Film Hub Wales explains why funding for exhibition is so important: “The Film Exhibition Fund exists to help cinemas, festivals and community screens to bring the best UK independent and international films to audiences right across Wales. Welsh exhibitors are navigating serious challenges like the cost of living crisis, whilst also adapting at a time of global climate crisis.

"This is no easy thing to do but they never fail to think creatively – meaning that Welsh cinemas and festivals are still the best places to watch films and for audiences to enjoy an affordable night out. Investment to preserve these community services is crucial.”